2003 Ford Windstar
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 5 |
| 1990 | 6 |
| 1991 | 3 |
| 1992 | 2 |
| 1993 | 11 |
| 1994 | 23 |
| 1995 | 3326 |
| 1996 | 1386 |
| 1997 | 192 |
| 1998 | 1433 |
| 1999 | 1522 |
| 2000 | 1675 |
| 2001 | 1686 |
| 2002 | 1353 |
| 2003 | 1509 |
| 2004 | 24 |
| 2005 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
20% of complaints: service brakes — 296 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
SWERVED TO AVOID COLLISION AND THE BRAKES LOCKED CAUSING CAR TO LOSE CONTROL ON THE WET ROAD. THE VAN HIT A TREE, FLIPPED ON ITS SIDE AND SMASHED INTO A LIGHT POLE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS FRONT END DAMAGE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121211
17% of complaints: electrical system — 262 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE RUBBER ON THE WIRES GOING TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX RUBBED OFF AND MELTED SHORTING OUT EVERYTHING. CASED THE SPEEDOMETER TO GO OUT TACHOMETER TO STOP WORKING ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS TO COME ON AND OVERDRIVE LIGHT BLINKS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120927
14% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 209 distinct reports on file.
FIRE12% of complaints: suspension — 184 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal odor circulating inside the cabin of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240606
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving from the driveway, the front driver's side control arm detached from the vehicle. The vehicle made an abnormal scraping sound.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240506
7% of complaints: power train — 112 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHEN LEAVING MY HOUSE ON A TRIP OUT OF TOWN, I DROVE MY WINDSTAR DOWN THE STREET TO THE INTERSECTION LEAVING MY STREET. AS I PULLED OUT INTO TRAFFIC THE TRANSMISSION BROKE, DISENGAGED AND WOULD NO LONGER PROPEL THE WINDSTAR FORWARD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121103
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN MINIVANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." DURING TESTING, A THIRD ROW BENCH FLOOR-TO-SEAT LATCH RELE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT-TO-FLOOR LATCHES ON THE SECOND AND THIRD ROW OF SEATS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 21, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 03V459000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN
Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
Campaign 06E056000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CO
Campaign 09V399000 — check if this car was fixed
Rear Axle Cracking
Front Subframe Corrosion Failures
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1997 THROUGH FEBRUARY 28, 2003 AND CURRENTLY REGISTERED OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DIS
Remedy: AS PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE, DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY INSTALL THE REAR AXLE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS FREE OF CHARGE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN O
Campaign 10V385000 — check if this car was fixed
Rear Axle Fracture Recall Scope
Front Subframe Corrosion Failures
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, K
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR ATTACHING BRACKETS, AND BOTH BODY MOUNT ATTACHMENTS AT THE REAR OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME, AND MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS FREE OF CHARGE. IF REPAIRS
Campaign 11V030000 — check if this car was fixed
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1997, THROUGH JULY 3, 2003, REGISTERED IN PUERTO RICO. DUE TO INCREASED STRESSES CAUSED BY HIGH CYCLES
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BRACKET ON THE REAR AXLE OR REPLACE THE AXLES, AS NECESSARY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL B
Campaign 12V195000 — check if this car was fixed
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF VIRGINIA. CORROSION-RELATED FRACTURES OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR AT
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR ATTACHING BRACKETS AND BOTH BODY MOUNT ATTACHMENTS AT THE REAR OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME AND MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BE
Campaign 12V194000 — check if this car was fixed
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1997, THROUGH JULY 3, 2003, AND CURRENTLY REGISTERED OR ORIGINALLY SOLD IN VIRGINIA. OVER TIME, CORROSI
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL REAR AXLE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS, OR REPLACE THE AXLES, AS NECESSARY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON
Campaign 12V193000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles manufactured September 2, 1997, to July 3, 2003.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brackets to verify their proper installation. If a bracket is found to have been misinstalled, the rear axle will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge.
Campaign 15V608000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Ford Windstar — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (296 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (262 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (209 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V459000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E056000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V399000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V385000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11V030000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V195000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V194000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V193000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V608000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2003 Ford Windstar reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Ford Windstar is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Windstar?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Ford Windstar have?
9 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.